Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

With all eyes falling on Wembley this weekend, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will meet in the 2024 Champions League final.

Borussia Dortmund

Starting with Borussia Dortmund, although Edin Terzic’s men might have failed to mount any kind of Bundesliga title charge this season, the German giants have embarked on an iconic Champions League adventure. Springing a famous European upset earlier in the month as they landed a 2-0 aggregate victory against French heavyweights PSG, the one-time West Ham coach is calling on his high-flying squad to make one more monumental upset on Saturday night. Picking up a string of famous scalps this season, BVB have proven that they should not be overlooked under any circumstances. Signing off their Bundesliga campaign with a routine 4-0 romp at home against Darmstadt and picking up some perfect momentum, Terzic’s side have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions and they will certainly be relishing their trip to the English capital this weekend.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance since returning from March’s international break, Algerian ace Ramy Bensebaini remains on the sidelines. Likewise, former Anderlecht starlet Julien Duranville will not be part of Dortmund’s squad here.

Although Marco Reus might be set to bid an emotional farewell to the German giants on Saturday night, the 34-year-old will likely settle for a spot on the bench this weekend. Despite notching just a trio of European strikes this season, ex-Werder Bremen star Niclas Fullkrug will spearhead Dortmund’s charge.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, reclaiming their La Liga crown this season, Real Madrid have continued on a real romp since opening the New Year. Already sending both Bayern Munich and Manchester City packing over the past couple of months, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now on the cusp of making even more European history. Gaining a fearsome reputation from across the continent and heading to Wembley tipped as a standout contender by many, the former AC Milan boss has seen his superstar squad hit top gear at a crucial time. Unbeaten in all of their previous 25 straight appearances across all competitions, Madrid will also be excited by a stellar record against Saturday’s fellow finalists. Securing back-to-back victories when they last met BVB during the 20217/18 campaign, they have also suffered just a single defeat from any of their last five Champions League battles.

Team News

Dealing with a recent muscle injury and with his EURO 24 dreams now hanging in the balance, Real Madrid have already confirmed that French international Aurelien Tchouameni will not feature at Wembley. Likewise, still still suffering from a long-term knee injury, 31-year-old David Alaba will play no part in north London this weekend.

While one-time Newcastle misfit Joselu might have bagged a famous last-gasp brace against Bayern Munich earlier in the month, the Spanish international will likely be forced to settle for a spot on the bench. Continuing on a record-breaking rise to superstardom, England international Jude Bellingham will play a leading role.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid last met in Champions League action during the 2017/18 campaign, Los Blancos won their back-to-back meetings by an aggregate score of 6-3.
• Real Madrid have not suffered a single defeat from any of their previous 25 consecutive appearances across all formats.
• Including a 2-0 aggregate victory against PSG earlier in the month, Borussia Dortmund have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
• Los Blancos have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last seven Champions League meetings against BVB.
• All of the previous four Champions League showdowns between Saturday’s finalists finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Borussia Dortmund might have enjoyed a real Champions League fairytale this season, the German giants will be more than aware that they face a major challenge when they arrive at Wembley on Saturday night. Meeting a Los Blancos squad that are now on the cup of completing a famous double-winning campaign, Real Madrid have only continued to shine since opening the New Year. Remarkably not suffering a single defeat from any of their previous 25 appearances across all competitions, Ancelotti’s men are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender when they arrive in north London this weekend.

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster